This week’s sermon reflected on Ascension Sunday through the opening verses of Acts. Rather than focusing only on the strange and mysterious image of Jesus ascending into heaven, we considered what happened next: a small group of ordinary people gathered together in an upstairs room, praying, waiting, uncertain about the future, and yet entrusted with continuing the work Jesus had begun.
One of the central ideas from the sermon was this:
“Jesus does not leave disciples behind merely to admire him. He entrusts them with continuing his work.”
Acts begins with ordinary followers trying to be faithful together. Luke tells us that Mary was there. Jesus’ brothers were there. Women were there. Frightened but faithful people gathered in community, praying and preparing for what would come next, even when they didn’t understand what that was.
The angels ask the disciples, “Why do you stand looking up into heaven?” That question still speaks to the church today. Faith cannot remain passive admiration. Christ calls his people to continue his work of compassion, mercy, forgiveness, welcome, and love right where we are — in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities.
As the sermon concluded:
“We are not merely readers of the story. We are part of the story.”
We’d love to see you in person at Lincoln Park-Lynnwood United Methodist Church, 3120 Pershing Street, Knoxville, TN. Come as you are. We’re not in the judging business. We’re in the welcoming business.
